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Traveling to remote areas such as oceans,
mountains, and lakes require you to ensure that your foods always stay cold
during the trip. While having a cooler will aid you with that, making ice can
be a bit difficult especially when there is no fridge around.

Of course, you can have a stopover
somewhere and buy some ice, but it is costly and time-consuming. To make your
life easier while traveling, you should invest in a propane-using RV
refrigerator. The best thing about a propane refrigerator is that you can use
it anywhere. No need to find an electrical socket, its battery, and propane gas
will provide you convenience even in remote locations.

How Does It Work?

In case you don’t know, a
propane refrigerator is operated by its sealed piping system. Inside this pipe are
a combination of water, hydrogen, and ammonia. The flame generated from the
propane provides heat to the boiler that contains a solution of water and
ammonia.

Once heated, it bubbles up via
a percolator pump. Hot ammonia vapor was then released when this happens and it
brings the water back to the boiler. Vapor rises into a condenser which
transfers heat into the room air and then turns back to liquid thereafter.

This ammonia liquid will be
drained down into an evaporator that contains hydrogen gas. The gas vaporizes
the ammonia again and draws heat energy from the interiors.

After that, the hydrogen and
ammonia mixture will be absorbed by the absorber chamber. In here, the ammonia
will be dissolved again as water. This will lead to the release of hydrogen gas
which will then goes back up to the evaporator once again.

The water and ammonia solution
drains down to the boiler and will continue the cycle vice versa. Keep in mind
that propane refrigerators are already available back in the 1930s. It became
popular because of its easy convenience and for it being a great alternative
when electric power is out of sight.

Propane Consumption of an RV Refrigerator

When it comes to propane
consumption, you don’t need to worry about energy deficiency because most
propane-made products are built with low emissions and fuel economy in mind. Propane
refrigerators back from the 70s consume as half of the propane that’s used by
refrigerators dated back in the 60s and earlier.

A 12 cubic feet of propane
fridge consumes up to 1.5-lb. of propane gas when being used daily. Converting
it into energy you get around 1,400 British thermal units every hour. However,
if you opt for a smaller propane fridge, it will only consume less than 1-lb.
of propane daily.

Larger units, however, consume
more than 2-lb. of propane. While this is mostly true, it will also depend on
the brand of the fridge.

Lowering the Propane Consumption of an RV
Fridge

Can you actually lower its
propane consumption? Probably! Below are some useful tips to make your RV
fridge more efficient to use.

Level the fridge and the RV – leveling
your fridge with your RV is the first thing you should do to make it operate
more efficiently. Have an older model? A more precise modeling is fairly
needed. However, newer models these days also need to be leveled properly to
make it perform better. Using the fridge without it being properly leveled will
result in permanent damage.

Cold foods come first – Fridge’s
initial cooling down process often takes 4-6 hours. Best thing to do is let the
fridge on for a day before putting all foods inside. When it comes to putting
foods inside, make sure that cold foods come first. Cold foods play a vital
role once they’re inside the fridge. Putting them first will make the unit work
less, thus meaning less consumption for propane. You should also make it a
habit not to overload your fridge too. Make some spaces in between each food to
let the air circulate freely.

Use battery-operated fans for
RV fridges – Most RV fridges today doesn’t come with built-in fans that can
help circulate cold air inside. So investing in a battery-operated fan can be a
big help when it comes to that. Put these fans at the bottom part of the fridge
to let cold air circulate inside. Having proper air circulation also leads to
reducing cool-down period up to 50%

Check the back of the fridge
for obstructions – All of the work to make the fridge run is always found at
the back of the fridge. So it’s always a good idea to check the back of the
fridge from time to time and check for obstructions.

Do some routine maintenance – Doing
routine maintenance ensures that your RV fridge will perform efficiently. Keep
in mind that a properly maintained fridge is the key for a lower propane
consumption. Take time to check your fridge if there are soot, rust, and any
other items or hindrance that can affect its performance.

Keep its temperature low when
it’s cold – In case you don’t know, the temperature outside the fridge also
plays a vital role for its performance. So if it’s cold outside, turn down your
RV fridge’s temperature level to make it consume less propane gas.

Verdict

Having an RV refrigerator needs
proper tending to make it perform more efficiently and effectively. Educating
yourself and by following the tips above will get you ready for your road trip
without worrying about RV fridge issues.

We all love our pets, even though they can
create some little accidents sometimes. Sure you can clean a carpet easily in
case they’ve urinated on it. But when it comes to your garage, it’s another
side of the story. Listed below are a few tips to keep your garage floor
odor-free from your pet’s urine.

Before anything else, cleaning urine out of
concrete is a multi-step process. The good thing about the tips listed below is
that it not only cleans urine odor, it also helps prevent further issues to
happen.

Concrete

Concrete may be sturdy to look
at, but its porous nature is the real challenge here. Meaning, every liquid can
enter in and sink deep down if not taken care off early. Even worse is the
smell coming from the urine can lie dormant after it dries. And it can be
re-activated when you pour another form of liquid into it. The best thing you
can do is to perform deep cleaning to completely eliminate its smell. Sealing
the surface after doing such will prevent further damage.

Preparing to Clean

Before you start scrubbing the
floor, ensuring the entire floor is completely dust-free is the first thing you
should do. Begin by using a push broom to sweep the floor away from any tiny
particles and debris.

Locate Urinated Areas

Now that the floor is clear
from any dust or any kinds of particles, it’s time to locate the spot where
your pets peed at. Use a blacklight to scan the floor from any signs of pee.
Once found, use a chalk to mark the spot for east spotting later. And now for
the cleaning process!

Step 1: The Initial Clean

There are three types of
concrete cleaners that you can use. Both of them are chemical and non-chemical.
Let’s have a look at them!

Hydrogen Peroxide – This one
can yield good results but can take a few days before you can see its effects.
Take two drops of Dawn paired with two teaspoons of baking soda. Add them to
two cups of hydrogen peroxide in a glass bowl. Mix well until the baking soda
is completely dissolved. Once done, spray or pour the mixture on the urinated
areas. The solution will soak deep into the concrete, completely eliminating
urine. Repeat every 24 hours in between days until the smell is completely
gone.

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) – This
one is a heavy duty cleaner that can get rid of urine traces and eliminates
bacteria. You should be careful when handling such as TSP is known to create
skin damage when in contact with skin. Wearing protective clothing and also
goggles is advisable and keep your kids and pets away from the area when doing
your cleaning operation. Make a mixture by adding ½ cup of TSP on a tub of hot
water. Pour the mixture on the affected area and make sure that it doesn’t
exceed three square feet or more since it evaporates quickly. Scrub the spot in
a gentle manner and allow the mixture to sink in for at least five minutes.
Apply more into the urinated are if needed. A very strong odor will be present
when doing such so make sure to cover your nose. After doing such, rinse the
affected area with hot water.

Vinegar – One of the most common
and cheapest ways to clean the area is probably using vinegar. Mix two parts of
vinegar into hot water and pour it on the affected area. This method is
probably the most effective one as it works perfectly to fight urine odors. If
TSP is too dangerous for you, then use this one as an alternative.

Step 2: Treating the Stain

Now that you’re done removing
the odor out of the concrete, it’s time to seal the entire floor by using an
enzymatic cleaner. Keep in mind that you only removed the “smell” of the urine
and not the urine itself.

Enzymatic Cleaner – This type
of cleaner comes in concentrated form and it’s known to break down uric acid
that sinks deep down into the concrete. Make sure to follow the instructions
carefully when using such to avoid any problems later on. To start, pour a
portion of the cleaner into the stain and leave it for at least 10 minutes to
let it soak in completely. Use a scrub to brush tough areas. After that, allow
the floor to dry overnight. Now that the floor is completely dry, it’s time for
the final step.

Step 3: Preventing Further Issues

For the final step, it’s time
to seal the floor to prevent further issues by using a protective coating. Protective
coating not only seals and protect, but it also prolongs the life of your floor
too.

Concrete Sealer – When shopping
for a concrete sealer, it’s best to opt for one that can protect your floor for
the years to come. After purchasing one, follow the instructions carefully
before starting. Rinse the floor thoroughly after applying and let it dry for
at least 24 hours. Lastly, seal any leftover cracks using caulk to prevent
urine or any kinds of liquid to enter in next time.

Results may vary depending on
the type of sealer you used. Some sealers remain dry and clear while others
will give your floor a glossy finish that can make it attractive. Keep in mind
that result will not instantly show up in just a day. Some sealers will need at
least 3-4 days before it completely cures.

Recreational vehicles such as an RV is not
designed to handle cold temperatures in mind. So if you have one, you have to
make sure that it stays dry especially its water hose to keep it from freezing
during colder climates.

An RV is more sensitive when exposed to
cold temperatures. In fact, it’s more vulnerable to freezing conditions
compared to a house. Should you decide to go on a journey with your RV on the
cold, you have to learn about a thing or two how to winterize it. Making sure
the water lines of your RV stay dry is the first thing that you should take
care of when it comes to this.

With that being said, here are a few tips
to prevent your RV’s water hose from freezing.

Tip 1 – Always disconnect the hose

One of the most inexpensive
ways to prevent your water hose from freezing is probably disconnecting it.
Below is a step-by-step process on how to do it.

Step 1: Make sure that your
RV’s holding tank is filled with water. It’s always a good idea to fill it so
that you’ll have enough water supply after disconnecting the hose.

Step 2: After the tank is
filled, disconnect the hose and put it somewhere away from the cold.

Step 3: Use a heating pad and
put it over the water pump of your RV. Lay a few towels on top of the pump. The
towels act as an insulation device just in case an electric supply is nowhere
to be found.

Step 4: Put a small lamp on the
compartment near the holding tank. The lamp acts as an extra protection to keep
your water supply from being frozen.

Step 5: Empty the black and
gray water tanks. Doing so will offer enough room especially for possible
overnight waste within the compartments. After doing such, rinse the water hose
to prevent solid waste from getting frozen inside.

Step 6: Tightly close the sewer
valves. You can now freely use the water on your holding tank for ordinary use.
Keep in mind that you have to use it wisely to avoid water shortage.

Tip 2 – Use a Heat Tape

Using a heat tape is another
way to prevent your RV’s water hose from freezing. Heat tapes work wonders as
it produces heat to maintain the right temperature of the water pipes. Wrap the
heat tape along the pipe’s length and leave it hanging on the hose’s end. Use
an insulation tube to cover the heat tape and make sure that it covers the
length of the entire hose. Lastly, secure the insulation by covering it with
duct tape. Heat tapes use electricity as a means of heating the pipe, making it
stay dry during colder conditions.

Tip 3 – Check if Your Faucet is Running

Keeping the installed faucets
running is another way to keep the hose from freezing. Constantly moving
running water prevents the risk of freezing especially during low temperatures.
Before anything else, make sure that the black and gray tanks of your RV are
emptied as mentioned on the first tip. Don’t forget to rinse the black tank to
prevent leftover solid waste from hardening. Once emptied, keep the gray tank’s
valve open. While the black tank’s valve, on the other hand, should be remained
close to prevent it from spreading foul odors. Doing so will ensure that there
is a constant stream of water without worrying about overflow. Lastly, turn on
your kitchen and bathroom faucets. Doing so will make a slow and consistent
stream of water. Note: Only do this technique if you’re sure that the pipes
will freeze.

Verdict

We hope that these tips helped
you out on keeping your RV’s water hose protected from freezing conditions.
Being unprepared will result in more hassle later on especially if your water
pipes and hose starts to freeze. But with the help of the tips above, you can
now bid goodbye to freezing water hoses.

Maintaining your vehicle regularly is
crucial to make it function without problems just like the day you bought it. A
properly maintained car will also make your vehicle run better in the long run.
Not only that, but it will also stay in good shape. With that being said, you
must pay attention even to the tiniest issues of your vehicle and fix it as
soon as possible. Proper maintenance also keeps the resale value of your
vehicle high just in case you have plans to sell it in the future.

Vehicle maintenance isn’t that hard. You
can just go to an automotive repair shop or just fix things on your own (if you
know how). It’s also easy to follow maintenance when you understand what that
particular type of “maintenance” can do to your vehicle.

In the case of fuel injector cleaners, this
is a kind of maintenance most car owners tend to overlook. So how important it
is to use fuel injector cleaners? And what problems arise when not using such?
Let’s find out down below.

Symptoms of Not Using a Fuel Injector
Cleaner

One of the common symptoms car
owners probably notice when not using fuel injector cleaners is probably the
way their car drives. Fuel is the one responsible to make your car run and they
go through fuel injector nozzles in order to operate. If left uncleaned, these
fuel injector nozzles will get clogged which means that the ratio of gasoline
and oxygen is not on an optimal level. As a result, the engine will start to
behave differently than it used to be.

Once this happens, you will
feel that your car has standard engine issues or transmission issues.
Acceleration is hard to perform and the engine will start to stutter and
misbehave. You will then hear some unusual noises coming from the engine
especially during idling, speeding up, and slowing down. And the worst part
about that is the car will completely stall.

Running the car at high speeds
will result in poor performance. As if the car has notably less power and will
be pretty slow to accelerate even at higher speeds. It will also struggle at
freeway speeds which can be a bit nerve-racking.

Having clogged fuel injectors
also means lower efficiency. This is more noticeable when you’re at a gas
station. No matter how much gas you put into your car, it will still run poorly
and won’t go far as many miles per gallon of gasoline.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Fuel Injector
Cleaners?

If ever you feel a decrease in
performance when driving your vehicle, chances are there are damage occurring
on its insides. And the fuel injector system is most likely where the damage
happens. These aren’t just small issues that you need to skip, they’re actually
red flags that will lead to larger issues if not addressed as early as
possible.

Once the fuel injector nozzles
are clogged, their performance will slow drastically that may lead to
malfunctioning in the long run. Too much clogging will get to the point that it
will be difficult to clean the nozzles. And this is a sign that a replacement
will take into place. Keep in mind that replacing a nozzle must be done
entirely, and not only one at a time. Which can be costly and time-consuming.

These dirt and other debris
that clogged your nozzle not only stays there, but it will get into the engine
sooner. Once they reached the engine, it will cause scratching and fiction that
can lead to various problems within the engine.

The Danger of Turbocharged Vehicles

Turbocharged vehicles are
well-loved by a lot of sports car enthusiasts. But not cleaning those fuel
injector nozzles on them can result in even bigger issues compared to “normal”
vehicles. Turbocharged vehicles heavily rely on the combination of gasoline and
oxygen. So once the fuel injectors are clogged, it will result in detonations
to the engine that can lead to severe damage if not addressed.

It’s Never Too Late to Take Action

The symptoms mentioned earlier
are red flags for a much bigger problem. But it’s never too late to do
something about it. You can take action as early as now to avoid further
issues. If you ever notice some symptoms on your car that was mentioned above,
then grab a fuel injector and clean its nozzles before it’s too late.

It’s always ideal to regularly
maintain your car for optimum performance. As soon as you noticed something is
not right with your vehicle, quickly perform a fuel injector cleaning process
before permanent damage will take into place.

Regularly maintaining your car should be
part of your routine, and fuel injector cleaners are no exception. They may be
easy to overlook and forget about, but the issues that lie underneath is one
thing that we should definitely avoid. Using a fuel injector cleaner is easy,
and you’ll have a better performing car in no time. So what are you waiting
for? Start cleaning your vehicle’s fuel injector nozzles today!

There are lots of choices when shopping for
RV roofs. But before spending into one, you must educate yourself first so that
no amount of money should be wasted from your wallet. Don’t rush on buying one
if you just heard an opinion of a particular product that’s introduced to your
first. One sided is never an option when it comes to careful shopping. Instead,
make it a habit to review other products too and determine their pros and cons.
In this article, we will be talking about two RV roof choices: TPO and EPDM.

TPO and EPDM RV Roofs: What Are They?

Most people choose TPO roofs
because of its price and its white color. It has a built-in TPO membrane that
can be attached by screwing or using adhesive glue. But better yet, you can
just heat-weld the membrane for easier convenience.

The TPO roof has a laminated
nature and it comes with a different material in the top and bottom. For most
TPO roofs, it has a white top and a gray bottom. Opting for TPO has its
advantages such as it can be fully integrated with a reinforcement to make it
more durable. It might take a little time and effort when installing such since
it is difficult to do so.

On the other hand, the EPDM
roof can be vulcanized that you can let it dry into the sheets. If vulcanizing
is not your thing, you can leave the material to a semi-solid state.

The vulcanized EPDM acts as the
roof’s membrane. Meanwhile, the non-vulcanized one acts as a flashing of the
cured material of the roof as part of the work. Keep in mind that the EPDM is
made from a material called synthetic rubber, which is the main reason for its
black color.

With that being said, which of
the two should you choose? Let’s find out below.

The Cost

When differentiating the cost
between the two, TPO is one of the more expensive ones. That’s why some people
opt for EPDM roofs because it feels more economical and can be easily installed
when single-ply roofing membranes come into play.

Choosing from the two when it
comes to pricing, you should pick one that has a thicker membrane. Although
both TPO and EPDM roofs deliver excellent quality performance, having thicker
membranes should be put into consideration when buying one.

Life Span

One trick to determine the longevity
of a single-pry roofing membrane is how they overlapped the seams and how they
are attached together. Improper attachment of these membranes can lead to
leaks.

TPO roof is actually still an
experimental product when it comes to RV roofing. And as of today, it is still
difficult to determine the longevity of such. In conclusion, you should opt for
EPDM roofing for now because it is already guaranteed that they last longer
based on experience by most RV owners.

Build Quality

EPDM roofing steals the spotlight
when it comes to durability. It is made from a material such as a rubber
compound and has been used by many as long as it’s been around. It also comes
with detailed flashings and well-tapered seams, which makes it more durable
that can even last for up to 25 years.

EPDM roofing is also capable to
withstand colder climates compared to TPO roofing. Not just that, it also
provides ultraviolet light resistance and has been recognized by the roofing
industry as the most reliable roof when it comes to RV roofing.

On the other hand, the TPO seam
is constructed to be as durable as the EPDM. The problem with it is that it
still needs a little tweaking to its membranes’ formulation to match the
durability EPDM has.

That being said, EPDM is the
way to go if build quality comes into mind. TPO is not water resistant, and
they can’t also block extreme sunny conditions too which will only result in
heat overload inside your RV.

Installation

EPDM roofs don’t need any
special equipment when installing such. Meanwhile, TPO needs hot air welding
making the installation costly and difficult to do so.

Even a beginner can easily
install an EPDM roof, and it doesn’t require any special skills either. If you
try to install a TPO roof without knowledge and skills how to do so, you’re
only putting your RV’s life at risk.

Maintenance

Installing an EPDM membrane
properly doesn’t require any special maintenance. TPO, on the other hand, needs
to be maintained properly and you need to treat its seams with an adhesive so
that the roof won’t fall apart.

The only disadvantage of an
EPDM roof is its poor response to oils and solvents. So when it comes to
cleaning and maintaining one, avoid using conditioners and cleaners that
contain harsh abrasives. Doing so will only bring severe damage to the roof.

There are myriad of garage tools that can
be dangerous if used improperly. Injuries are most likely to happen especially
to those people who have zero knowledge of using such tools. That’s why it’s
very important to read the manual first before operating such. In this article,
we’re going to focus on the top ten most dangerous garage tools ever.

Powered Saws

Different types of powered saws
are dangerous. Be it a small circular saw or a stationary table saw, their
level of danger is exactly the same. These saws have blades that spin around
2500 rpm, which is fast enough to cut your limbs in a matter of seconds. To
ensure safety, always wear proper gear and use factory guards and clamp
materials rather than operating the machine by hand.

Chainsaws

Speaking of saws, chainsaws
fall into a different category and have their own types of danger too. When
operating one, make sure to turn it off if a person or any living thing is 10
foot near to your location. Also, never operate a chainsaw if you’re on a
wobbly surface. Doing so will result in further damage later on that will look
like you’re on a final destination movie.

Nail Guns

Just like real guns, a nail gun
can easily embed a nail into a surface in just a second. When operating such,
always disconnect the air hose after using. Don’t forget to wear safety gear
too such as safety goggles and be mindful of the area you’re shooting in.

Ladders

Did you know? That ladders are
the main reason why some accidents happen at home or in a workplace that occurs
every year? They may look harmless to look at but the dangers they possess can
lead to injuries. When using a ladder, don’t forget to tie it on something to
prevent it from wobbling. Or better yet, using a step ladder is a much safer
option. Don’t ever use ladders on uneven terrain or rocky areas as it may
tumble down easily. Consider using a safety harness if you’re already above 10
feet off the ground.

Power Drills

There are three injuries that
are caused by power drills. First is puncture wounds, second is wounds caused
by loose clothing that’s caught by the drill, and lastly, other types of
injuries such as electrocution from drilling into live wiring. Drills are made
for single person use only. Operating it with both hands will likely cause
major injuries if not handled carefully.

Grinders

Just like powered saws,
grinders are more powerful that can even cut or shred a person to pieces in a
matter of seconds. When operating grinders, always wear safety goggles and
other safety clothing. Never ever you should bypass safety mechanisms when
operating a bench grinder or the next thing you’ll see is a warm welcome inside
the hospital.

Using Other Tools for Different
Purposes

Each garage tools are designed
with different purposes, and using them for anything else is a recipe for
disaster. For example, using a screwdriver as a chisel will result in serious
injuries. Only use the right tool for the job and only use it as the
manufacturer intended.

Air Compressors

Just as you think that air
compressors are safe, then that’s where you are wrong kiddo. Air compressors
can be pretty dangerous especially those that are not properly maintained. Tank
rupture is more likely to happen when an air compressor hasn’t been maintained
for years. Other injuries include improperly connected brass connectors flying
off due to the great force from the pressure inside the compressor.

Axes

Axes may look like a common
tool that your grandpa used to cut those timber back then, but they are also
pretty dangerous too. Before using an axe, make sure that the handle is
properly fastened to the blade. It’s better to keep a 10-foot radius clear
around the work area when using such.

Utility Knife

Utility knives have a razor
sharp edge that can cut through any kinds of material, even your skin. So after
using such, don’t forget to automatically sheat the blade to keep yourself away
from harm. If you don’t, the next thing you’ll find is yourself running and panicking
to find that first aid kit.

Taking care of your vehicle is an important
responsibility every car owner should know. Keeping our cars in shape is
important so that it will run well and is safe to drive on. Not only it makes
our vehicles run well, but it will also expand the lifespan of such. Think of
car issues like dominoes. If one little problem is ignored, then it can lead to
a much bigger problem soon thereafter.

There are two things that we should keep in
mind when taking a car: maintenance, and repair. However, there’s a fine line
between the two. The former means replacing existing components that are near
the end of its life, while the latter means adjusting some parts to keep your
car running.

Both maintenance and repair can cost you
money. Should you be hiring an expert mechanic or take it to a local automotive
repair shop, the last thing you’ll do is probably grabbing your wallet and let
out some cash. But it doesn’t have to be this hard. In fact, there are a few
things that you can do on your own when it comes to taking care of your car.

Of course, we are not talking about
complicated things such as rebuilding an engine or such. There are a few basic
repairs that you can learn without the presence of a mechanic. It may be
time-consuming, but the results, in the end, are totally worth it. So what are
we waiting for? Here are five automotive repairs that you can do on your own.

Oil Change

Probably one of the easiest “do
it yourself” repair that can be done in your garage is an oil change. Most
vehicles require an oil change every 3-5000 miles. And heading to an oil change
spot can really waste not just your cash, but also your time. This is because
there may be others that are having an oil change too, and you have to wait in
line before it’s your turn.

But nonetheless, changing your
oil at home is as easy as pie. Not only it saves you cash, but also saves you
from headache while being in queue on the line. It may take a little time how
to figure it out at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is actually a
quick and easy procedure that you can do in minutes.

First, you have to buy a new
oil filter. Keep in mind that you have to buy one that suits your vehicle.
Next, you need to have a car jack and two jack stands. Turn your car on and do
a few minutes of driving. This is important so that the oil will warm up for
you to drain. Once done, park your car on a perfectly flat ground while the
parking brake is being engaged.

Second, lift the front of your
car by using the jack and jack stands. Make sure it is properly secured so that
you won’t run into trouble later on.

Third, find the oil drain plug
that is located near the engine. Once located, place your oil pan underneath
the plug and unscrew it. Once the oil flow has slowed down, remove the oil
filter by unscrewing it. Create a strong seal by dipping your finger into the
new oil and rubbing it on top of the new oil filter. Once done, replace the
gasket on the oil plug and screw it tightly back in to place.

Lastly, lower the vehicle back
to the ground and refuel the oil supply with the oil supply that’s designated
for your car. Make sure that the oil levels are accurate by using a dipstick.
Now you’re ready to go! You just did your oil change at your home.

Air Filter Replacement

Air filter change is probably
more expensive than an oil change. Some mechanics tend to trick car owners that
you need to replace a specific component even if it’s still working well.

However, this won’t be the case
if you know how to replace an air filter on your own. The best part about it is
air filter replacement is very easy compared to oil changed as mentioned above.

First, you need to buy a new
air filter. You can get one from your local auto parts shop or just shop online
whatever suits you. Make sure to choose one that’s compatible with your car.

Second, open the hood of your
car and locate the air filter box. It’s actually a large black box that has a
hose coming out of it. It’s also placed right on top of the engine. Still
unsure? Read the user manual of your car to make sure you located the correct
piece of component.

Third, now that you’ve located
it, remove the old air filter by opening the air filter box. Take out the old
filter and put in the new one. Close and latch the box into place and you’re
done!

Changing Wiper Blades

One of the most overlooked
parts of car repairs is probably the windshield wipers. It may seem unimportant
to replace one, but they tend to wear out over time. Once they do, they will be
unable to wipe the water out of your windshield, which makes it difficult to
see especially when driving during heavy rain. However, changing your
windshield wiper blades is just as easy like changing your air filter.

First, you have to buy a new
pair of wiper blades. Pick one that is as the right size of your car. You can
find them almost anywhere both offline and online.

Second, lift your windshield
wipers up until it points straight outwards. Find the blade and rotate it until
it’s separated from the wiper arm. Once done, locate the release tab for the
blade that’s located at the bottom of the arm. Squeeze the tab until the blade
is separated from the arm.

Third, now that the old blade
is out, replace it with the new one. Slide in the new blade until it clicks.
The click is a sign that the blade is already placed tightly and secured.
Repeat the process to the other wiper arm and then you’re good to go.

Rotating Tires

Rotating your tires is another
important aspect when it comes to car maintenance. In fact, it will increase
the life span of your tires just by rotating them. It can also prevent
suspension damage and reduces the cost of getting a wheel alignment.

Tire shops will rotate your
tires for free if you bought your tires from them. However, you can save time
and hassle by just rotating them on your own at the peace of your home.

First, make sure that your car
is parked on a flat ground while the emergency brake is engaged. Put blocks or
wedges around the tires to make it stay put while on the ground.

Second, check if your tires
need to follow a specific pattern of rotation. Most vehicles have
non-directional tires, meaning you can only rotate them on a single pattern.
For example, you want to rotate the left front tire then you can only rotate it
with the left rear tire too. The same goes for the right tire.

Third, now that your car is
secured into place, use a lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts of your tires.
Use the star pattern rather than going in a circle. Do this while the car is on
the ground for safety purposes.

Fourth, use a jack stand to
lift the car to the first tire you will be working on. Finish removing the lug
nuts and take them off the tire. Repeat this process with the other tires.

Lastly, now that you’re done
with all the tires, remove your car from the jack and jack stands. Now that
your car is settled back on the ground, tighten all the lug nuts by using the
lug nut wrench again. Don’t forget to use the star pattern instead of the
circle one. And then you’re done!

Replacing Brake Pads

Brakes are the most important
part of your vehicle, and properly maintaining them is vital for a safer car
riding experience. A dysfunctional brake is a recipe for disaster so if ever
you have one, it’s time to replace them with newer ones. Replacing them on your
own will save you wads of cash since brake replacement tend to be expensive,
how much more when added with labor costs.

First, buy new brake pads that fit
right to your vehicle. Then secure your vehicle by parking it on the ground
while the emergency brake is engaged. Place blocks around the wheels to keep it
into place.

Second, loosen the lug nuts by
using a lug wrench. Don’t forget to use the star pattern just like what you did
with the previous tip. Use the jack stand to lift the wheel off the ground and
finish unscrewing the lug nuts and remove the tire.

Third, find the brake caliper,
an item that is connected with the brake motor. Unscrew the brake caliper using
a socket wrench. Keep in mind that the calipers can only be removed from the rotor,
what you just did is just loosening them for easy removal later on. After
removing the caliper, you can now remove the brake pads on the front and back
of the rotor. Some of these pads will easily slide out, while others need to be
worked a little bit until they pop out.

Fourth, place the new brake
pads on. Replacing the new ones requires a bit of finagling. For easy
placement, put a little bit of grease outside the brake pads, just make sure
that the grease won’t get any on the rotors. Grease isn’t actually necessary,
but it is important so that your brakes won’t make unusual noises thereafter.

Fifth, adjust your brake
caliper. Take note that the caliper won’t fit over your new brake pads, so a
little push to the piston back into the caliper is needed. You may want to use
a brake tool to do this so that it will make space for the size of the new
pads. You can alternatively use a metal clamp as well if you had one for easier
convenience.

Finally, once the caliper is
adjusted, you can now place it back over the pads by screwing it back into
place. Put the tires back on and screw the lug nuts back by using the lug nut
wrench. Repeat the process with the other tires and then you’re done!

Car owners probably know by now that owning
one isn’t just a simple walk in the park. There are times your car will work
perfectly then there are times where it can put a real pain on your head. They
say prevention is better than cure and in this article, we’re going to talk
about how to prevent a blown head gasket. But before that, what in the world is
a blown head gasket?

Blown Head Gasket

The most common issue car
drivers even encounter is a blown head gasket. The worst part of this is that
repairing it can really put a hole into your wallet. While the gasket is not
actually “that” expensive, the cost of labor is the one that can really break
your bank account. Used to car repairs? Well, you still have to deal with a lot
of grease and precious wasted time just to repair one.

The Head Gasket

Before anything else, what is a
head gasket actually? The head gasket can be found between the cylinder and the
engine block. Its main use is to contain pressure and to keep all three liquids
of the engine separated. It also acts as a barrier to keep the head and block
apart for easier maintenance. Head gaskets are built with durability in mind,
as its main purpose is to withstand overloading amounts of pressure and temperature.

Ways to Prevent a Blown Head Gasket

There are multiple ways to
prevent a blown head gasket. But the trick relies on how to avoid them in the
first place. The most common one is to identify the cause, and the second is to
properly install the head gasket. So what are the causes of a blown head
gasket? Let’s have a look!

Overheating – One of the most
common causes of a blown head gasket is probably overheating. Overheating
happens when the armor that surrounds the cylinders are crushed. Once this happens,
it causes a loss of compression on the engine and leaks starts to occur on the
coolant. The next thing you’ll find is a smoke that comes out from your engine
followed by a loud bang that means “it’s time for a repair”.

Hot spots – Blown head gaskets
are more prominent on older cars because their engines are more likely to have
“hot spots”. These things can be found around the cylinder head and the central
cylinders. Car companies, however, found a solution to address this issue by
creating cars with reinforced engines. Have an older car? Take time to check it
out and install a reinforced engine as soon as possible.

Pre-ignition trouble – This
issue is often found on cars that are only used for inner-city driving. The
situation behind this problem is where the fuel is combusted at the wrong time.
Which results in large amounts of pressure being pushed into the cylinder head
leaving the engine struggling to battle against itself.

Poor head gasket – Of course,
having a bad head gasket is more likely the result of it turning into a blown
one. Doing research when it comes to buying or repairing cars is the best thing
you can do before opting for one. This problem is completely avoidable if you
have a good head gasket to begin with.

Improper installation – Lastly,
poor installation of a head gasket is the most likely cause. If you have zero
knowledge of installing such, then let a professional do its thing. Don’t ever
think of DIY installations as it can only lead to serious problems later on.

Five Tips to Properly Install a Head Gasket

But if you really want to
install a head gasket by yourself to cut costs, here are a few tips that you
can follow:

Don’t use old bolts – Never
ever re-use old head gasket bolts if you decide to install a new one. Old bolts
don’t have the same clamping force as newer ones so it’s better to completely
avoid using such.

Properly apply sealants – Leaks
is another issue that can lead to blown head gaskets. However, there are lots
of quick and effective sealants in the market today that you can use. But keep
in mind that despite having the best sealer around, properly applying it is the
real challenge here.

Check for flaws even the
simplest ones – There are times that we are too occupied with the biggest
things that we never paid attention to the tiniest details. If that is the
case, checking for even the tiniest and simplest flaws is the key for
preventing a blown head gasket. These tiny problems will probably build up and
can become huge as time goes by if not addressed.

Clean the desk surface
completely – After looking for the tiniest flaws, cleaning the desk surface is
also important when installing a head gasket. Leaving remnants from your old
gasket will greatly affect how your sealant works.

Always follow torque specifications
– Torques play a vital role when it comes to preventing blown head gaskets. You
should not only use the correct torque wrench, but you must also follow its
usage patterns and specs.

Motorcycles are your best bet when it comes
to transportation. Not only it is fun to ride on, but it is also gas efficient
so you won’t have to spend lots of cash to refuel it just like cars. However,
just because it has its pros doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its cons too. If
you’re a first timer on the motorcycle world, then there are some few tips that
you should keep in mind.

From a first timer’s perspective, a
motorcycle could be a nerve-racking experience. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t
have airbags, seat belts, or any kind of safety gear. Doing simple mistakes
could lead to death. But calm down for a moment and don’t close this article
just yet. Below are ten essential motorcycle tips for you to know for a fun and
safer motorcycle experience.

Be Committed and Take the Risk

Some might say that if you
don’t know how to ride one, then don’t bother. But just because you have zero
knowledge about it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy riding one. It is true
indeed that motorcycling is a dangerous and risky hobby. But if you really want
to, then you must be committed to riding such. Keep in mind that riding a
motorcycle isn’t as simple as one, two, three. Learning it can be one simple
step at a time. The more you pursue to learn how to ride one, the better you’ll
get as time goes by.

Join a Motorcycle Safety Course

There are lots of options
tailored for first timers in the world of motorcycling. You can either ask your
experienced friend to teach you or you can take a DMV test and learn by the
book, or you can enroll in a course for safety organization. But your best bet
is to take a motorcycling safety training rather than being taught by your
family and friends. If you’re living in the US, the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation offers safety motorcycle classes for you to enroll on. They will
teach you about the strategies of throttle, brake control, and a whole lot
more. You can also opt for a more advanced training to greatly improve your
motorcycling skills too.

Buy a Motorcycle

Now that you’re really
committed on entering this hobby, it’s time to buy a motorcycle. Myriads of
brands and manufacturers offer top-notch motorcycles. Be sure to opt for one
that suits your budget without compromising the quality. Also, pick one that is
user-friendly, which is important if you’re a beginner.

Don’t Forget the Protective
Gear

Of course, no motorcycle is
complete without a protective gear. If you don’t have one, then the next thing
you’ll find is the police pulling you over. Buy a helmet, motorcycle jacket,
gloves, boots, and pants that will ensure your safety when riding one.

Choose a Mentor That You Can
Trust

If you just completed your
motorcycle training, then it’s time to find a mentor that you can trust to
guide you along the way. Hiring a mentor will have its benefits such as teaching
you some skills that are not taught during your training.

Let’s Get It On!

Now that you’re ready to go,
it’s time to test your motorcycle for your first ride. Don’t forget to apply
all the skills and lessons you have learned during the training. And of course,
don’t go riding when you don’t have your protective gear with you. It’s also
important that you familiarize yourself with the controls so you don’t have to
look down every time just to push a button or something. Familiarizing yourself
with the controls will give you time to focus on the road to avoid accidents.

Mistakes are Inevitable

For first-timers, mistakes are
more likely to happen. Don’t be discouraged in case you failed. Instead, use it
as a stepping stone to try again and perform better. Motorcycling is not a
skill that you can learn overnight. It takes time, patience, and also,
dedication before you master it.

Learn to Put Gear On the Bike

Learning how to put gear is
beneficial for you especially when you have loads of items to carry around.
There are also some accessories that you can easily install on your motorcycle
without the need of a professional.

Go Beyond the Limits

If you now have the guts to
take your motorcycle to the next level, then it’s time to go out of town for a
test ride. This is the perfect time to roam around with your bike and enjoy the
scenery while you’re at it. Don’t forget to bring your smartphone with you and
use a map app to guide you along the way.

Have Fun!

At the end of the day, just
have fun! Learning how to ride a motorcycle may be difficult at first, but as
soon as you get the hang of it, it can be a pleasant experience for you. Just
don’t forget to apply all the lessons during your training for a much fun and
safer experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab that helmet and hit the
road!

A garage can be anything. Be it your
workshop, an extra living space, and of course, a place to park your car. A
warm garage is just what you need when winter comes. There are a lot of options
to heat your garage. In this article, we’re going to focus on eight best ways
to do so.

Keep in mind that these options will vary
depending on your location and also your budget. The options listed below are
tailored to help you choose what’s best for you. Let’s have a look at them!

Garage Insulation

This is probably one of the
most common heating methods for your garage that might put people to sleep.
However, a properly insulated garage needs a bit kind of work even on the
tiniest details. You have to make sure that your garage is free from cracks and
any other kinds of openings before insulating it. Moreover, you may have to
replace your normal garage door into something that’s insulated too.

A fully insulated garage will
protect you and the whole family even on the worst conditions (maybe even from
a storm too), making it easier to maintain livable conditions.

Garage Heating Units

Shopping for heating units in
the market and you’ll be greeted with a lot of options such as convection
heaters to full-size units. But the key here is to buy one that can fit right
for your garage without sacrificing too much space.

Heating units are probably the
cheapest way to heat your garage. But it’s best to use them for short-term only
because of their high energy consumption. If you really need to heat your
garage in winter, then investing in an actual garage heater is your best bet.
They function just like your usual AC units and are permanently installed on
the ceiling that can heat even the largest garages.

Infrared Heating

This one is kind of different.
Infrared heating is designed with heating specific areas in mind, such as your
workspace. These infrared mats can be placed on your garage floor, making it
easier for you to work under the car with extra comfort.

There’s also a cable version
that operates just like an old-fashioned wire space heater. However, it warms
your equipment before the air itself. Both of these infrared heaters are energy
efficient and operates well as they are intended to.

Heated Garage Floor

A garage’s worst enemy is
probably the concrete during colder climates. While adding a floor covering may
sometimes not do the trick, opting for renovating your whole garage floor and
replacing it with a heated floor is probably your best bet.

Heated floors have a base layer
of filler sand that’s covered by a reflective liner. Flexible piping is then
installed in loops which are then covered in concrete to finish the floor.
Those pipes beneath are heated with the help of a boiler. While it may seem
like a great idea, it can be costly, and you need to hire a professional to
install it for you, which adds up the labor cost.

ModCon Boilers

If you haven’t heard any word
about this one, ModCon boilers are actually tankless water heaters that doubles
as a space heater without affecting the function of the other. Keep your garage
toasty warm by using this device. It may be costly, but it’s worth the money
since it consumes less energy compared to other heaters.

Electric Ceiling Panels

Not to be confused with solar
panels (which is actually a different device in the first place), electric
ceiling panels is one way to heat your garage in cold conditions. They are
one-inch rectangles that can heat up or cool quickly, allowing a safe and
efficient temperature control.

However, leaving them on for a
long period of time will result in skyrocketing electric bills. So if you opt
on using this one, be sure to only turn it on when needed.

Stove/Fireplace

Go back in time by using a
stove or a fireplace to heat a room, especially your garage. Just don’t forget
to prepare a fire extinguisher nearby just in case the fire starts to act up
like it has a mind of its own. Soapstone fireplaces is an obscure variant that
is attractive to look at if you don’t like the looks of your default fire
stove.

Stone Heating

Since we’re talking about old
school stuff, stone heating is another “primitive” tech of heating your garage.
Some stones and minerals absorb heat, which radiates it back to the
environment, providing warmth to the place. Placing them into a well-insulated
garage is enough to keep the entire garage warm. However, when we talk about
efficiency, stone heaters are an exemption. And it’s best to reserve this one
on garages with no electricity in sight.

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